nomolites

X2. I like and want the difference. Mike

I run two series 31 AGM batteries made by Duracell(110 ah) with my 80 Ulterra and they have performed well - I was able to pick them up at Sam's club for $179 each... Mike

Make sure to PM the GPS coordinates.... Mike

Coffman Beach access(MDC) off Hwy Y in the lower Gravois is your best ramp. Stickbaits and a-rigs in clearer water, crank baits and jigs in dirty water. Transition banks or bluff ends, there are lots to choose from on the North Shore. Mike

I won't say they suspend in the basins on their way in and out because I can't support that statement with anything other than livewells full of 11"-15"crappie. Mike

I don't keep any under 10 anyway...LOZ has enough fish it is not necessary. I have not heard this elsewhere though. Mike

X2 on the Guidewear; bought mine one of the few times when they were on clearance and love them. I wear a full helmet and neoprene gloves when underway in bitter cold and stay quite warm. Mike

Happy to see you are back at it! Mike

Yes, our home lake require constant vigilance and eyes in the back of our heads - but she is a great fishery. Early and late we roam, but stay close to the lift weekends and mid-day. Mike

Awesome story PD - I hope you are well! Mike

Well, I don't think I have ever seen the water on LOZ moving like it was on the upper Niangua this week with $$$$ of damage done by current rather than level - too much too fast. Crazy stuff. Mike

I have a 9.9 4-stroke for trolling crank baits but I use my electric with GPS for low speed(1mph or less) bottom bouncing. They can both do either and there are pluses and minuses to both - this is what works best for me. Mike

If you have an older sea wall you are concerned about the best bet is likely to be to have rip rap laid against it - I have seen several properties do that recently and it seems to be a great solution given the new rules. Sorry to see folks losing things and property damage especially since I know how insurance companies typically roll.... Mike

Agreed - and good points; at least there are no swimmers(or not many)in the water now like there were in July. Mike

There aren't many rigs that could corral that once it got loose. After many years of regularly replacing cable we finally installed structural support arms in addition to our cabling. Sleep pretty good now, even in this weather, but you never know. Mike

I have wrangled docks against wind and current and you ain't kidding Wrench - Somebody had to be asleep at the wheel to lose that. I was down over the weekend but would have needed waders to get up the ramp to the dock by the time the rain quit for a bit Sunday. Then got hung up in the I70 flooding heading home; it can clear up any time as far as I am concerned. Mike

I upgraded to the Ulterra this year actually, and yes, it is ridiculous. I love ridiculous. Mike

FWIW following the contour trolling is best with the electric at low speeds; i.e. bottoms bouncing for walleye. I usually do not use it when pulling cranks at higher speeds - just advanced I pilot. If you bottom bounce, however, it is the cat's meow having the Link. Mike

I troll with my trolling motor lots and taking them all the way down is not recommended - always keep them topped off. If you need to replace I would suggest larger AGMs if you can stand the price pain, but again don't run them all the way down. I recently upgraded to an Ulterra and 31 AGMs and it is a very sweet combo. If you go to AGMs remember to switch your OB charger over from lead acid, they need to charge at a slightly higher voltage. Mike

X2 on the Terrova; love mine - also paired with the 'bird and Lakemaster cartography. If you run Lowrance I believe the Motorguide pairs with their software. Mike

That's the one. He was fishing with Jim Frank, and the 70k fish in the BBB the previous fall(caught by Jamie Eynard) was also caught out of the back of this boat. No coincidence, good sticks. Mike

I have caught many big crappie from LOZ but never one over 16" range. I know there have to be some in there and have seen pics of on caught nearby last year over 3# but those are the exception. Mike

You gents are entitled to your beliefs, please by all means carry on in pursuit of those green fish. You might, however, just consider the next time you happen to notice the number of boats rigged with kickers, rod holders, etc. on the lake these days - just what in the world are those fellows are fishing for??? I'm pretty sure I know. Mike

I normally might be offended by the "nobody can catch them" but this WAS an exceptionally bad year for me in the catching walleye department. LOTS of zeros in that column, but enough other takers that are quite tasty "seconds" or "thirds" to keep me at it. There ARE fisherman out there catching them regularly and not advertising that fact or there would be 20,000 glitter sleds competing for them the next day - best to keep those rigs focused on green fish that we don't want anyway. Yep, this year I truly could not catch the walleye to save my life, but next time out my luck may turn. Mike

That's a good one; you'll soon be throwing rocks at the stripes you keep catching walleye like that... Mike